The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Thursday, April 21, 2016
realestate WEEKLY UPDATE
www.pqbnews.com
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THURSDAY APRIL 21, 2016
Your FREE Source For Homes & Commercial Properties...compliments of your local Realtors
CCNA BCYCNA
General Excellence
921 Sanika Close, Parksville. $469,000
SANDY MACRAE
Let the Professionals handle your move. • Residential & Commercial • Climate-controlled warehouse storage • Replacement cost protection available • Professional packing and crating services
SANDY’S FEATURE LISTING
Satisfaction Guaranteed. Parksville 250.248.8805 Pt. Alberni 250.720.2291
When is a real estate agent more than a person to purchase or list your home through? When she is Sandy Macrae! Sandy was born and raised on Vancouver Island and is an accomplished real estate agent with PEMBERTON HOMES Parksville. She offers extensive knowledge of both rural and residential properties on the island and a background in accounting complements her attention to detail. Sandy’s commitment to her clients consistently goes “above and beyond”, and as a member of the Pemberton Holmes team in Parksville, she truly demonstrates the company’s mandate of honesty, integrity, knowledge and service. At the office, we enjoy her infectious laughter and easygoing nature. Her clients appreciate her high-energy nature and fearless attitude in this busy marketplace. Sandy attributes those same qualities to having 13 grandchildren! Call Sandy for friendly and professional real estate advice at 250-228-4126.
Nanaimo 250.754.1500 Duncan 250.748.5900
Email: parksvillesales@bekins.ca
BEST PRICE + BEST QUALITY + BEST SECURITY = BEST SOLUTION! For All Your Residential & Commercial Moving & Storage Needs • www.bekins.ca
IMPECCABLE 1636 sq. ft. French Creek rancher is in showhome condition and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths & so many extras! Gorgeous kitchen with rich walnut-stain cabinetry, high-end appliances & spacious deacon island! Stunning blue granite rock-faced fireplace with 11 ft apex. Luxuriously appointed master bedroom with coffered ceiling and mocha maple hardwood flooring. Full RV hookup & secure gate. Great neighbours await....this is truly a home to hang your heart in! 921 Sanika Close. $469,000
Call Sandy at 250-228-4126.
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www.pqbnews.com
Thursday, April 21, 2016 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News
real estate realestate
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CRAIG BAY WALK-ON WATERFRONT
Advertising Representative
find your next home here
$548,000 • Ocean & ponds views! 1705 sqft 2 bedroom/3 bath Nantucket model • wMain level day-to-day living, patio w/west exposure overlooks pond OPEN HOUSE 1320 SALTSPRING PLACE, CRAIG BAY
ere
Direct:
250-905-0014
Email:
realestate@pqbnews.com
Fax:
250-248-4655
SUN APRIL 24 BETWEEN 1-3 PM
realestate
Hosted by Sherry Pilkington
For the Weekend of April 23 & 24
SUSAN FORREST Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
Royal LePage Parksville/Qualicum Beach Realty
Phone 250-947-9900
susan@susanforrest.com
Call for a professional evaluation. NO cost. NO obligation. NO pressure!
find your next home here Address
Lorie Nielsen
Price
Day
Time
Realtor/Office
$628,000
Saturday
1-3 pm
Susan Forrest Royal LePage
1320 Saltspring Place
$548,000
Sunday
1-3 pm
Susan Forrest Royal LePage
#51-500 Corfield Street
$484,900+gst
Sunday
1-4 pm
Cooper/Mclintock ReMax Nanimo
QUALICUM BEACH 195 Fire Dance Lane PARKSVILLE
Peligren
124 CRAIG ST, PARKSVILLE OFFICE: 250-248-2488
timpeligren.point2agent.com
Direct: 250-228-5558
TIM 1785 Cameron Crescent $259,000
DALE RUMMING PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
1670 Meadowood $598,000
1955 Tom’s Turn Around $398,000
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• 360 degree ocean & mountain views • 4,600 sq. ft. 4 BR 3 baths plus • One BR suite • Large shop MLS # 402339
1680 Country Road $258,800
SOLD MLS #395081
1785 Warn Way $399,900
W NE
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• Across from Little Qualicum Falls Park • Gated Community • 12’x24’ covered storage included • Zoned for a RV, Tent or Yurt • 0.34 acres
• Investment potential with exposure • 5,145 Sq. ft. shop space • 2 bedroom mobile home • Plus $450,000 for business • 1 acre fenced yard MLS # 393995
5 ACRES - Little Qualicum New Price! $139,900
1810 Canuck $296,900
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• 4.94 Acres • Panoramic ocean and mountain views • Private
• Panoramic ocean view property • Allows for 2 homes • Many trails in the area • Gated community
• 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom • 0.54 acres, southern exposure • 2 storage sheds
MLS # 400648
N E W S
M E D I A
Highly Recommended.
Call Tom. Cell: 250-951-4882 www.tomwhitfield.ca Anchor Realty, Qualicum Beach
Call 250-248-4022
205 JENSEN AVE., PARKSVILLE
SHOPPING FOR A REALTOR?
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C O M M U N I T Y
• LET YOUR HOME CREATE MONTHLY INCOME!
IN
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Black Press
• REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST$
976 Price Road $889,900
Recreational Riverfront Lot From $19,900 to $62,900
ED
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250.951.6678 250.586.4601 855.278.5924
• 10.18 acres • Panoramic ocean mountain views • Carrage home with 28’x28’ shop under • 12’x24’ storage unit included • 2nd home allowed MLS # 403073
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• 2 bedroom, 1145 sq ft rancher • Single garage • 12x24’ storage unit • .33 acre, beautiful gardens
“Serving the Oceanside Area.”
deadlydale@shaw.ca www.dalerumming.ca parksvillemobilehomes.com
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• Large fenced yard • 3 BR & 2 bathrooms • 12’ x 24’ storage unit • Gated Community
www.pqbnews.com
call kevin clayton
314 E.Island Hwy. Parksville • 250-248-8371
MLS # 382130
Find the property you have been searching for at: timpeligren.point2agent.com WATCH FOR YOUR NEXT COPY OF THE MONTHLY REAL ESTATE GUIDE Available Thursday, May 5, 2016
realestate MONTHLY GUIDE
MAY 2016
Your FREE Source For Homes & Commercial Properties...compliments of your local Realtors
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Thursday, April 21, 2016
www.pqbnews.com
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Grant Wildeman SALES SALES MASTER SALESMASTER ACHIEVEMENT SALES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARD
Personal Real Estate Corporation
MASTER SALES AWARD
SALES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SALES SALES MASTER SALES ACHIEVEMENT MASTER SALES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AWARD AWARD AWARD
250-927-0357
THE THETHEOF AWARD OF THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE LIFETIME MEMBER EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE
grantwildeman@shaw.ca
LIFETIME MEMBER
ers' Ch sum o on Award i
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2002-2010
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2002-2010
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THE THE AW ARD AW ARD OOFF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE
THE THE AWARD ARD OFF AW O EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE LIFETIME MEMBER LIFETIME MEMBER
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2002-2010 e rs ' sum ar Choi rs ' d onumAew s war Choi d A on 2002-2010
www.grantwildeman.ca
25 YEARS SERVICE
C
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#223-330 DOGWOOD ST, PARKSVILLE
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#45-493 PIONEER CRES., PARKSVILLE
25 25 YEARS SERVICE YEARS SERVICE
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$299,000
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• Waterfront Shoreline Estates • Pond view from patio • 1364 square feet 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom • Attached double car garage
$249,000 • Bright open floor plan • 2 bedroom plus den • No Age restriction and pets allowed • Close to all amenities
#12-3100 RINVOLD RD, WHISKEY CREEK
960 RILEY ROAD, FRENCH CREEK
SOLD
$85,900
Bright well-presented 3470 sqft 4 bed/4 bath home on park-like .63 acre lot w/English-style gardens, rockwork, pond w/waterfall, 2nd reed-encircled pond w/wooden footbridge, raised garden beds, greenhouse, & garden shed. South-facing patio & spacious glass-railed balcony w/views out to Georgia Strait & distant snow-capped mountains. Formal Living/Dining Rooms, huge open plan Kitchen/Family Room w/OS windows to maximize views, deluxe Kitchen w/ maple cabinetry, Den/Office, large Hobby Room, huge Workshop, dbl garage w/Utility/Storage Room. Many extra features. This warm and welcoming home delivers well beyond expectations!
OPEN HOUSE 195 FIRE DANCE LANE, QUALICUM NORTH SATURDAY APRIL 23 BETWEEN 1-3 PM HOSTED BY SUSAN FORREST
MANY EXTRA FEATURES
$628,000
Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty
2002-2010
25 YEARS SERVICE
HO
25 YEARS SERVICE
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ce e c
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THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE LIFETIME MEMBER
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QUALICUM NORTH BEAUTY
THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
$179,900
• Open floor plan with vaulted ceiling • Covered deck, 2 car driveway & nicely landscaped • 8x8 workshop/toolshed • No age restriction
• 3 bedrooms, central location • Fully fenced • Attached carport • 5 minute walk to Wembley Mall
3447 ALBERNI HWY, QUALICUM BEACH
1080 ASCENSION WAY, FRENCH CREEK E
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$469,000
$449,800
• 6.45 acres 5 minutes from the town of QB • 3 bdrm rancher with fantastic mountain views • Two horse paddocks • Detached workshop & additional outbuilding
• Over 3100 sq ft 6 bedroom home, includes a 1600 sq ft in-law suite • Open floor plan with new paint • 1/4 acre fully fenced yard with RV parking
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1pm to 4pm Located at # 51 - 500 Corfield St. Parksville, BC
ALL THE MAIN LIVING IS ON ONE FLOOR • ONLY 1 UNIT REMAINING • MOVE IN READY
Starting at $484,900
PLUS GST
• Main level entry homes + pond view
• Oversized 2 car garage
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• 2684-2928 sq. ft of living space
Show Suite Designed by Patti Ransom Interior Design.
CONTACT US 1.866.956.6228 www.creeksideatcorfield.com FOR A FULL INFORMATION PACKAGE CONTACT John Cooper* john@coopermclintock.com Sean McLintock* sean@coopermclintock.com * Personal Real Estate Corporation
of Nanaimo 250.751.1223
A22
www.pqbnews.com
Thursday, April 21, 2016 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Brenda
★ ★ ★ ★★ MATT BREEDLOVE For Every Move You Make Since 1993
Independently Owned and Operated
Nicolls
Lifetime Award Of Excellence
View More Photos at
ParksvilleQualicum Beach Realty
DIRECT 250.954.9033 breedloverealestate.ca
breedloverealestate@gmail.com
LIKE NEW AND READY TO VIEW
#205-302 Village Way, Qualicum Beach $227,800
NEW LISTING
info@brendanicolls.com www.brendanicolls.com
• Completely Updated Bright End Upper Level Condo • 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Sunny Balcony • Can be rented, Small Pet Allowed
OCEAN VIEW - QUALICUM LANDING
• Mortgage Payments under $1,000 • 1072 Sq. Ft. 2 Bdrms, 2 Bath • Low Taxes & Low Fees • 2 Patio Areas + Back Deck
• “The WestHill” 1-Level Luxury Patio Home. A MUST SEE! • Open Concept 2 Bdrm, 2 Bath with Garage • Covered Patio with Ocean View • Waterfront Community Offering a Luxurious Lifestyle.
OCEAN VIEW ON LARGE LOT
VIEW LOT CLOSE TO BEACH
3822 Island Hwy. Qualicum Beach $449,000
250-248-8371
NEW LISTING
LOW MAINTENANCE HOME 3195 Brooklin Ln, Qualicum Beach $209,000
Personal Real Estate Corporation
1068 Woodduck Place, Qualicum Beach
NO MORE YARD WORK
#46-120 Finholm St. N. Parksville $169,000 • Bright Updated Patio Home • Vaulted Ceilings, 2 Bedrooms, Deluxe Bath • Extra Storage, RV Parking, Overlooking Greenspace
A portion of every commission is donated to the Oceanside Hospice Society and to Haven Society Parksville.
#49- 5251 Island Hwy. Qualicum Beach $419,000
$
600,000
Beautifully Presented Eaglecrest Rancher
Lot B Garrod Rd. Bowser $200,000
• 2864 sf 3 bed/2.5 bath rancher, .41 ac on friendly cul-de-sac close to Town • Open living and dining area, beautiful office and library with FP • Bright kitchen is heart of the home w/huge island and eating nook • Spacious MB, hardwood floors, walk-in closets & private patio access • 2415 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bath character home • 0.63 of an acre with fruit trees • Great B&B or Vacation Rental • Unique design with loft & oceanview deck
• Ocean view building lot • In an area of expensive homes • Oceanfront across the street • Build Your Dream Home Here
NEW LISTING
• Updated light fixtures and finishings, lots of storage, double garage • Gorgeous mature landscaping, fully irrigated, garden views from every room
NEW LISTING
$899,900
• 3 bed/3 bath + den 2920 sqft rancher • Located in River’s Edge on 2.64 acre • Beautiful chef’s ktch w/heated tile flrs • Oversized double garage, fully irrigated yard, private south-facing patio area
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
$629,900
$399,900
$319,900
• 3 bed/3 bath 2797 sqft home • Very private location on 4.99 acre • Panoramic ocean views, 600 sqft revenue cottage • 440 sqft shop w/mezzanine & bath
• 3 bed, 3 bath 1731 sq. ft. on .24 acre • Handcrafted custom alder kitchen cabinets • West coast custom built home • 440 sq. ft. bonus room w/bath over garage
• 3 bed, 2 bath 1400 sq. ft. on .27 acre • Cute & cozy starter or retirement home • Large fenced yard with large covered patio • Heat pump, double carport, low maintenance yard
MLS#406603
Les Pockett Personal Real Estate Corporation
NEW LISTING
MLS#406476
MLS# 404628
5+ ACRE OCEANVIEW From $159,000!
MLS# 404627
ONLY 2 LEFT!
VANCOUVER ISLAND
(250) 927-7653 1-800-224-5906 lespockett@telus.net
WESLEY RIDGE PLACE
$154,900
• 2 bed, 1 bath 878 sq. ft. • 2 balconies, 2 blocks walk to ocean • 55+, small pet allowed, no rentals • Underground parking
FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFO GO TO:
www.lespockett.com
MLS# 404774
Independently Owned & Operated
679 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC
MLS# 404735
SOLD
SOLD
• Each lot has it’s own well • Each lot has septic approval
SOLD
LD
LD SO
• 3 bed, 3 bath 2980 sq. ft. • Light & bright unit, recent upgrades • Ocean, pond and mountain views • Clubhouse, pool, weight room, workshop
4
SO
$524,900
Parksville Qualicum Beach Realty
7
LD
SOLD
SO
2015
• Zoning permits 2 dwellings
SO LD
NEW LISTING
SELLING FAST!
• Driveway culverts in place with some driveways roughed-in
www.lespockett.com
The Parksville Qualicum Beach News Thursday, April 21, 2016
Cindy Riera
cindyriera@shaw.ca
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MLS# 406630
3519 CROCUS RD NE
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866 HEMSWORTH RD, QB N
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• 2.69 private acres, close to town • Charming 2 bedroom house with 3 bedroom guest cabin • Post and beam, open floor plan, lovely gardens • Double garage, workshop, greenhouse, gazebo MLS# 407108
MLS# 406877
496 CHESTER RD, QB
1139 BLIND BOGEY DR, QB C LE
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$479,900 • Completely renovated front to back, walk to beach • 1871 Sqft 3 bdrm 2 bth rancher on crawl • Hardwood floors throughout, spacious livingrm and familyrm • Beautiful wood cabinets with granite countertops • No through road in prestigious Eaglecrest
MLS# 405177
691 FERN E. ROAD
3142 ISLAND W. HIGHWAY
Private, equestrian estate on 5.11 acres within walking distance to the Village. 3,518 sq. ft. rancher with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, indoor pool & spa, & view of the back paddocks. Two barns with six stalls, riding ring, fenced & cross fenced, workshop & bunk house.
Unique in design & flawlessly executed, this 12 yr. old ocean view beach house is breathtaking. A comfortable floor plan & numerous enticing entertaining venues make this the quintessential vacation home. Potential for a carriage suite. Commercially zoned, perfect for a business investment.
$1,088,000
Aaron Nicklen*
3635 ELGINWOOD PLACE
This fully updated entertainer’s home located on the 8th fairway of the Fairwind’s Golf Course, offers main level living & a walk-out lower level ideal for guests & recreation. Designer kitchen located adjacent to a fire-lit family room and terraces. Within walking distance of clubhouse & Rec Centre.
$779,000
This custom built rancher, with separate one-bedroom suite, offers the best of Village living. Only 2 blocks to the heart of the Village and all amenities, 1 block to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Community Park, surrounded by walking & biking trails. Immaculately maintained with 2 year old roof.
$579,000
MLS# 403340
$948,000
Aaron Nicklen*
710 CANYON CRESCENT ROAD
Luxury without compromise is offered in this executive home featuring 3,400 sqft. on a large 0.44 of an acre lot. A large family kitchen with access to impressive back yard & patio, the dining room overlooks fire-lit living room, entertain in large family room. Private, highly coveted location, professionally landscaped.
Aaron Nicklen*
$629,800
Aaron Nicklen*
Thinking about selling in 2016? Please call us for a free market evaluation.
733 BEACH ROAD
Awarded the 2015 Chairman’s Club designation, ranking Aaron and Louise in the top 1% of Realtors within the Royal LePage family in Canada. Louise Roy*
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$554,900 • 11 year old 3550 sqft home on crawl spacce • 4 bedrms, 4 bathrms, 2 ensuites • Hardwood & slate floors, granite counters, Maple cabinets • Large south back yard, wrap around deck, hot tub • Short walk to village, park and beach
IN PRICE ORDER, HIGH TO LOW MLS# 401713
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• Qualicum Village country charm on 6.51 acre • Over 3000 sqft 15 yr old home with 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrms • Beautifully maintained & lovingly cared for home and property • 30’x50’ insulated 2 storey workshop, RV & vehicle storage
• Neat and tidy mobile home on .29 acre • Short distance to little Qualicum Falls and Qualicum Village • On community water and septic system • Private backyard with deck and carport • Great for first time buyers or empty nesters
$425,000
RE
$778,000
$149,900
• Immaculate 4 bedroom 2 bathrm home in Casa Blanca MHP • Private fenced yard, sun deck, and lots of parking • Spacious open floor plan, lots of natural light • Close to Qualicum village and Coombs Market • 1500 sq ft, family and pets welcome
IC
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$119,900
• Proposed Lot B has a nice ocean view • 79 x 98 sq ft level lot • Underground services • Target for Registration September 30, 2016
MLS# 407073
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$199,000
• Gorgeous updated Riviera floor plan • All hardwood and tile floors • New roof, new exterior paint, beautiful interior décor • Manicured gardens, private yard on Eaglecrest Golf Course
Anchor Realty
Independently Owned and Operated
505 BAYLIS RD, NO. QB
TIN
LIS
$395,000
IS
#5-3100 RINVOLD RD, HILLIERS
TIN
NE
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in Parksville, Qualicum and Surrounding Areas. World Vision
G
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LIS
www.pq-realestate.com www.remaxanchor.ca
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
LOT B COLLEGE RD, QB
495 SEAWARD WAY, QB
A23
250-951-1386
Proud sponsor of:
Personal Real Estate Corporation
NE
www.pqbnews.com
MLS# 403340
A24
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Thursday, April 21, 2016 The Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Ian Lindsay
250.248.1071
1.888.243.1071
www.ianlindsay.ca ian@ianlindsay.ca
Frank Fairley
Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
101 - 897 West Island Highway, Parksville 1111 Paradise Place, Nanoose Bay
345 Sutherland Place
$1,275,0
$1,380,0
00
00
Dramatic waterfront location overlooking Parksville Bay. Offers primary, 1700 sqft residence with second lot for expansion, privacy and/or investment.
40 acre farmland with residence. Current owner has hay production of 4000+ bales. Picturesque property with creek running through.
4737 Maple Guard Drive, Bowser
2610 Pylades Drive, Ladysmith
$1,000,0
$839,900
00
SOLD Eagles, sea lions, the lighthouse, islands and mountains. Experience all from 2-level 3,700 sq.ft. home.
Private oceanfront residence with sweeping views & easy access to private cove like area. Amazing deck space. Enjoy life in Yellow Point.
430 Rupert Road, Qualicum Beach
2890 Olympic Road, Qualicum Beach
$869,000
$795,000
A private small acreage on town water walking distance to village centre. 2000sqft+ w/triple garage, upper guest/studio space with custom design throughout.
Private acreage in Qualicum north with 3 bedroom home and lower level 2 bedroom suite plus an incredible 3600sf garage with concrete pad.
866 Marsh Place, Parksville
1183 Blind Bogey Drive, Qualicum Beach
$359,500
Quality 1250sf 2bed/2bath Parksville rancher near elementary school in great family friendly area. Tenant could remain.
$449,500
2140 sqft golf course adjacent home in exquisite Eaglecrest neighbourhood well maintained on very quiet street.
WATERFRONT PROPERTIES
LOTS AND ACREAGES
Lot 13 Amberwood Lane . . . . . . . . $829,000 Exclusive waterfront located in Fairwinds. 3319 Island Hwy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3,900,000 Hold or develop. Only larger waterfront development site in Qualicum Beach.
Lot 5 Kendon Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . $245,000 4.1 acres just a few minutes north of Qualicum Beach Lot 20, 21 & 22 Grafton Avenue . . . $324,000 2.1 acres unique development opportunity in Errington Village Centre area. Pym Street South, Parksville Strategic 88.7 acre parcel located within City of Parksville Urban Containment Boundary. Call for pricing/details.
325 Sutherland Crescent . . . . . . . . $425,000 9,148sf ready to build lot overlooking Parksville bay and coastal mountains.
INVESTMENT/COMMERCIAL 629 BEACH ROAD Ideal 70x165 Development Site. $274,900 637 BEACH ROAD 2 property pkg, walking distance to Qualicum Beach Village Centre. $749,000 1128 HERRING GULL WAY, PARKSVILLE Great location for a small enterprise such as brewery, welding shop, heavy duty truck repair. Buildings in excellent condition. Call for pricing/details.
201 FIRST AVENUE 2 property package including 2 storey side by side duplex. $995,000 207 FIRST AVENUE 5 property develoment package, walking distance to town. $1,700,000 164 ALBERNI HWY, PARKSVILLE High visibility corner of Alberni & Jensen w/C-3 zoning in place near city hall, library & downtown shops. $1,200,000
Looking to buy a home? A Realtor® can help Home buying can be a daunting and complex process. But with a REALTOR® at your side, it doesn’t have to be. Remember, a REALTOR® works for you and is there to look after your best interests. So take a few minutes and learn how a REALTOR® can help you find what you’re looking for. Are you ready? Be sure Few joys can match the pride of owning the roof over your head, but you will have to make some sacrifices. There’s the obvious financial responsibility, but your home will also require constant care. That’s what real pride of ownership is all about. Is your bank account ready? Check it twice Your first home will be the biggest financial obligation you’ve ever faced. You should ideally have saved up some money for a down payment and are managing any debts like student loans or credit cards. In a couple steps you can determine how much you can afford. Is right now a good time to buy? Markets go up, markets go down and even the smartest experts can’t accurately predict when a market will peak or bottom out. If you’re buying a home as a long-term investment (and for long-term enjoyment), you should be protected from short-term changes in the market. Pick a home that meets the needs of you and your family. Then you’ll enjoy living in your investment as it grows in value. Decide what you want to buy Nowadays, there are many different types of homes to choose from. And there are pros and cons to each. Take a minute to reflect on your lifestyle and based on that, decide what best fits you. To help, we’ve broken down the most popular housing options here. First, decide where you want to live Urban Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You’ll also have the widest range of housing options. Suburban Newer schools, newer shopping centres, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs. Smaller Cities and Towns Canada is dotted with thousands of wonderful selfcontained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle. Rural If you like the idea of owning land, how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it’s heaven. Next, decide what type of home you want By now, you probably have a good idea of what type of home is right for you. To familiarize yourself with the terminology, here’s a quick overview: Single-family detached: As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian. Semi-detached or linked: Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home.
Duplex: A building zoned for two families. Town house: Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides. The condo alternative How Condos are owned You’ll own 100% of your unit, and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff like a private gym or party room. Condo fees. Membership has privileges and costs On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Be sure to look into condo fees, and how well they’re managed, before signing anything. New or resale? Resale. Previously loved Nothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much ‘character’, like a leaky roof. Know what you’re getting into. Ahh... that new house smell If you’re having a new home built from the bottom up, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other homes built by the same company. Have your REALTOR® and/or lawyer review everything before you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process. And remember, you have a legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete. You know what you want, but let’s talk needs Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it’s too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms, and probably a second bathroom. REALTORS® call these musthave features “needs”. Features you’d like to have are called “wants”. Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your ‘needs’, and as many of your ‘wants’ as possible. This article was prepared by the www.realtor.ca/buyerinformation